May 5 - Little Cottonwood Trail

Warm one today - mid 80s in the valley. The good thing is that it's mostly cloudy so it doesn't feel so warm. Heading to the Little Cottonwood Trail; as always hoping for bflies but without the sun, it may be a little tough; they've got to cfly at some point.

Heading up the canyon to the upper parking lot, I can see one snow melt waterfall up high along the south canyon wall.

I park at the upper parking lot. It's only a pleasant 75 degrees in the canyon.

Lots of greening trees and bushes and the flowing stream is pretty loud.

On the way to the main trail, I see a little blue butterfly dancing in the air. I wish I could ID him in flight but for now, it's a Blue.

There's water flowing across the trail to the left; the snow melt is picking up.

I head to the left towards the old brick building.

There's flowers along the trail now; Waterleaf, Groundsel and OregonGrape. I also see Solomon's Seal plants (no flowers yet).

I see a Mourning Cloak basking on a rock. He flies as I near, circles a few times before landing on the same rock. As I pass, he repeats; just protecting his territory.

I arrive at the trail's end; the old building is snow free now.

Heading back down, the Mourning Cloak is still on the rock.

I soon cross the water logged portion of the trail again, I immediately take another side trail to the creek. I see another Blue! These guys are not landing today!

Back on the main trail again, I continue downhill towards the 3rd bridge.

I see Woodland Star in bloom.

There are few deer tracks on the trail.

Further down, I see Fairy Bells in bloom!!

 The Solomon's Seal here are just about ready to bloom!

I also see another Mourning Cloak.

I finally arrive at the 3rd and final bridge; water is flowing a lot faster down here.

Time to head back uphill.

On the way up, I scare up a Satyr Comma!

A little further up the trail, I see another Satyr Comma!

Back at the turnoff for the parking, I walk slowly near the edge of the water as it crosses the trail. I see a Blue! This one lands; it's a Spring Azure!

Lovely day!